Off to the Bahamas

Before we left we managed to find some crew to join us on our journey through the Bahamas, whilst we got used to our new boat! Ezgi and Robert, from Germany, happened to be in Miami for Art Basel, and with Roberts sailing experience they were up for a spontaneous adventure. They joined us aboard the boat a few days before we departed Florida.

We set off at 9am, the crossing was going to take us over 12 hours, so we were hoping to arrive around late morning the following day. We sailed south a few hours down the coast in order to use the Gulf stream, that would be pushing us north, before heading out east towards the Bahamas. Once all settled in, we got out the rum as an offering to the ocean, to the boat and for the captain and crew, plus for Roberts birthday!

We set up evening watches of three hours. Ezgi and Robert on one watch and George and I on the other. Other than an unexpected visit from a flying fish, our evening watch was pretty easy going. Quite a lot of shipping tankers and cruise ships to keep an eye out for and lots of stars out with clear skies. After our last night watch ended, Ezgi and Robert took the sunrise watch. They put out the fishing rod and just as the sun rose over the horizon a fish was hooked on the line! With the sound of the fishing reel going, George and I have never jumped out of bed so quick. George ended up on deck in his pants. We had caught a yellowfin tuna! Robert filleted the fish at the back of the boat whilst we got the boat back on course and up to speed!

George had found a great little marina to head for and check in, called Great Harbour Cay in the Berry Islands. The opening to the marina was so hard to see as it was a tiny cut through the land which basically appeared at the last minute.

The customs and immigration officers were surprised we had found their marina as it is a small, quiet marina and mostly local or regular cruisers using it. They were super friendly and gave us lots of tips and advice on the island and the Bahamas. The Cruising fee was $300 for the Bahamas and allows you to stay for 3 months, although we were only planning on passing through in a week or two.

After the lengthy check-in, as we hadn’t completed the online click to clear and there was only one staff for immigration and for customs going back and forth to cover both the airport and marina, we made lunch. Tuna three ways! Pan fried, Sushi and Ceviche. AMAZING. Feeding four of us three courses of tuna, we had only eaten ¼ of the fish! We will be eating tuna for days!

Once fully loaded with tuna, we left the marina and anchored in the bay near the local town, for the evening.

We took the dingy to shore to check out the local bars. We found a great local place, looked like someone’s house from the outside, but the pool table drew us in. The locals were incredibly friendly and so much fun. A favourite moment was all the local guys, still in their different uniforms from work, having a dance off to girls just wanna have fun. The wining move involved a big guy unexpectedly picking George up in a bear hug and spinning him around! We had many games of pool and some rounds of dominos with the locals, and picked up some local info/tips on where to head to next on our boat.

Next plan is to head to the Exuma Islands.